JVR Trial Excellence Awards 2025

More than 375 trial attorneys and Illinois judges were in attendance on the evening of October 16th as the Jury Verdict Reporter, a division of Chicago-based Law Bulletin Media, hosted its annual reception and awards for Trial Lawyer Excellence at RPM Events. Thirty-five professionals from both sides of the trial bar received individual Trial Lawyer Excellence awards in one of seventeen 2024 categories. Additionally, William J. Rogers and Bruce R. Pfaff were recognized with Lifetime Achievement awards for their body of trial work, leadership, mentoring and contributions to the legal community.

SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS to our founding partner

Todd A. Smith recipient of the 2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

from Jury Verdict Reporter (a division of Law Bulletin Media) in recognition of his significant legal achievements. The highest honor given by Law Bulletin Media, this recognizes the honoree’s proven record of excellence which has inspired others and shaped the field of law.

EXPERIENCE MATTERS.

SMITH LaCIEN LLP 70 W Madison Ste. 2250 Chicago, IL 60602 | (312) 509-8900 www.smithlacien.com | info@smithlacien.com

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 3

INTRODUCTION

Over the past 30 years, our experienced JVR editorial team has worked closely with the trial bar to evolve the JVR into an essential research tool that JVR founder Max Sonderby would never have imagined. However, Max would have appreciated and been proud of their efforts to significantly expand the information provided in JVR case reports. Illinois attorneys, judges and mediators use JVR information to find comparable verdicts and settlements, identify and research expert witnesses as well as over- all trial strategy. JVR reports have become a must-have case evaluation resource for civil litigators and we are excited to introduce new features in 2026. As we grow and improve, our JVR writers continue Law Bulletin’s standard of fair and accurate reporting. On October 29, 2025, the Jury Verdict Reporter and Law Bulletin Media hosted our annual JVR Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards ceremony and reception in the RPM Events space in Chicago. The event was attended by over 400 trial lawyers and judges, and recognized significant achievements by lawyers for both the plaintiff and defense. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Lifetime Achieve- ment awards to attorneys Todd A. Smith and William F. Cunningham. This maga- zine commemorates the ceremony and includes photographs of the lawyers who were honored for their trial work, as well as other notable guests. On behalf of the Law Bulletin Media and the staff of the Jury Verdict Reporter, we extend our thanks to the plaintiff and defense trial attorneys for their contri- butions of case information and the cooperation we receive throughout our investigative process.

Peter V. Mierzwa President & Publisher

4 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS

12 Outstanding Lake County Defense Verdict in an Automobile Case TABLE OF CONTENTS

JURY VERDICT REPORTER

18 Highest Reported McClean County Verdict or Settlement in a Pedestrian Case

Peter V. Mierzwa President

20 Outstanding Defense Verdict in a FELA Case

Amanda Monto Marketing Manager

Julie Leuck Design Manager

26 Highest Reported DuPage County Verdict or Settlement in a Medical Malpractice Case

Adam Hrejsa Account Executive

28 Outstanding DuPage County Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case

John Leonard Senior Account Executive

32 Highest Reported Sangamon County Verdict or Settlement

Christine Davis JVR Associate Editor

34 Defense Attorney

Achievement Awards

Beth Ann Zaretsky JVR Senior Legal Writer

36 Plaintiff Attorney Achievement Award

Erica Boorstein JVR Legal Writer

38 Highest Reported Lake County Verdict or Settlement in a Work Injury Case

Copyright ©2025 by Law Bulletin Media. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system. Reproductions available from the publisher.

40 Outstanding Will County Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case

44 Highest Reported St. Clair County Verdict or Settlement in an Auto Case

47 Lifetime Achievement Defense Attorney William F. Cunningham 57 Lifetime Achievement Plaintiff Attorney Todd A. Smith 64 Outstanding Cook County Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case

Law Bulletin Media 415 N. State Street Chicago, IL 60654

info@lawbulletinmedia.com www.LawBulletinMedia.com

Event Photography by Rena Naltsas

68 Highest Bureau County Verdict or Settlement

72 Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Carrier Case

76 Highest Reported Illinois Verdict or Settlement in a Birth Injury Case 80 Outstanding Cook County Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case

84 Outstanding Achievement - Top Firm

in the 2025 JVR Annual Settlements Report

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 5

We salute our partner, mentor and friend who set a standard for every trial lawyer who crossed his path which continues to guide us today. An award well deserved and long overdue! Thank you, none of us would be who we are today without your guidance. Congratulations to William Cunningham

cmvlaw.com

THE GO-TO RESOURCE FOR SUCCESSFUL TRIAL LAWYERS

The Jury Verdict Reporter is the second-oldest business of its kind in the United States. The Jury Verdict Reporter has evolved from a weekly one-page printed newsletter to a research tool with over 55,000 Illinois cases in Lawyerport and a digital eNewsletter that features verdicts and settlements from across the state and beyond. Trial lawyers have come to rely on our detailed and objective reports to accurately evaluate their cases. It was founded in 1959 by newspaper reporter Max Sonderby to collect and publish summaries detailing civil jury verdicts and negoti- ated settlements. Law Bulletin purchased the business in 1991, and soon began computerizing the information. We now have a fully-searchable database with over 55,000 cases available in Lawyerport. These cases are linked to additional informa- tion on the lawyers, judges and experts involved in these cases to provide unique insights for trial lawyers, judges and mediators. The Jury Verdict Reporter summarizes cases tried or settled, highlighting the factu- al situation that gave rise to the litigation. We provide details about the trial lawyers, judge, venue, case name and number, award amount, specific injuries, insurer that paid the verdict or settlement, and expert witnesses who testified. In addition, our team offers expertise to provide a custom case research service in which we will analyze our database according to supplied factual scenarios and compile a pack- age of comparable Illinois cases. 2025 was an exciting year for the Jury Verdict Reporter and its subscribers! Our annual JVR Settlements Report broke the billion-dollar mark with $2.12 billion in settlements. Our Lawyerport service, which facilitates access to all Law Bulletin Media content including the Jury Verdict Reporter, continues to be utilized by thou- sands of Illinois attorneys. And the Jury Verdict Reporter team has been working with trial attorneys and judges to design some new features we are planning to introduce in 2026.

Christine Davis, Associate Editor

Jury Verdict Reporter 415 N. State Street, Chicago IL 60654 Phone: 312-644-2764 cdavis@lawbulletinmedia.com

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 7

2025 JVR Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards

8 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS

2025 JVR Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 9

$27 Million Truck Crash Settlement

We are proud to receive the Trial Excellence Award for the Highest Reported St. Clair County Verdict or Settlement.

Tim Cavanagh

Michael Sorich

Tough. Trusted. Trial-Ready. 312.425.1900 • 161 N. Clark Street, Suite 2070 • Chicago, Illinois 60601 www.CavanaghLawGroup.com

JVR $27M Award Ad.indd 1

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AWARD DESCRIPTION AND METHODOLOGY

Jury Verdict Reporter Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards

In preparation for the 2025 award ceremony, the Jury Verdict Reporter team and President of Law Bulletin Media Peter Mierzwa reviewed hundreds of significant Illinois jury verdicts and negotiated settlements that had been investigated and summarized by the Jury Verdict Reporter staff. We identified several that resulted in record-setting awards for the plaintiffs or notable defense outcomes in cases with a high verdict potential. It also became apparent during this research that a handful of attorneys had compiled such a significant body of successful outcomes for their clients that they merited awards for their achievement. The list of award winners includes not only some very recognizable attorney names, but also a few surprises. Photographs and biographies of the award winners are featured throughout this commemorative publication, along with the selected case summaries from the Jury Verdict Reporter. We look forward to October of 2026 when we will again host our Annual Jury Verdict Reporter Awards Ceremony & Reception. We hope to see you there.

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 11

Outstanding Lake County Defense Verdict in an Automobile Case

Not Guilty

Driver ejected from car during crash led to four surgeries and knee replacement

PLAINTIFF ASKED $15M

DEFENSE OFFER $300K

T he Plaintiff in this case was driving eastbound on Route 173 in Fox Lake when a tractor-trailer carrying a full load of aggre- gate exited a quarry, pulled out from a stop sign, when Plaintiff crashed into the truck. Plaintiff was ejected from his vehicle and suf- fered severe injuries including a subdural hematoma and multiple frac- tures. He required four surgeries and a knee replacement and still has difficulty walking. There was evidence the Plaintiff was driving more than 10 mph over the speed limit and that the Defendant truck had only 2% of the required reflective tape. Both sides produced experts and the trial lasted 8 days.

VERDICT For the Defense

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CASE REPORT

(21 MY/1) STOP SIGN--CAR COLLIDES WITH TURNING TRACTOR-TRAIL- ER--MULTIPLE FRACTURES (1F)

Alfredo Garcia v Robert D. Hahn, Pleasantview Carting Inc. 19L-303 (refiled from 16L-119) Tried May 3-11, 2021

VERDICT: Not Guilty v both defts

David C. Wise David Wise is a nationally recognized trial lawyer known for record-setting verdicts and settlements throughout Illinois. Since founding Wise Law Offices in 2002, he has achieved more than $400 million in results for clients. Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and named a Lead- ing Lawyer and Super Lawyer every year since their inception, David’s decades of experience reflect his relentless pursuit of justice and dedication to clients across complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. Brett M. Henne Brett began his career in 1989 with the Grayslake Fire Protection District, advanc - ing to the position of Fire Marshal, Certified Fire Investigator through the International Association of Arson Investigators, and as a licensed paramedic. From there, he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. His experience includes trials of civil and criminal matters before juries, judges, and arbitrators, both as a private attorney and as an Assistant State’s Attorney. Brett has tried over 60 cases to verdict, from prop - erty-related crimes to murder to medical malpractice. At Swanson, Martin & Bell Brett serves as Vice Chair of the Fire and Explosion Practice Group.

JUDGE: Jacquelyn D. Melius (IL, Lake 19th Jud Cir)

PLTF ATTY(S): Brian L. Salvi, John A. Mennie, Michael J. Schostok of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard (Chicago, IL) DEMAND : $3,000,000 ASKED : $15,000,000 DEFT ATTY(S): Brett M. Henne, Jacob D. Caudill of Swanson, Martin & Bell (Libertyville, IL) for both defts (QBE) OFFER : $300,000 PLTF EXPERT(S): Dr. Matthew L. Jimenez (Orthopedist); Stanley V. Smith, Ph.D. (Economist); Thomas N. Rush, P.E. (Accident Reconstruction) DEFT EXPERT(S): Michael Arnett, P.E. (Accident Reconstruction); David Curry, Ph.D. (Human Factors) for both defts

Pltf was driving eastbound on Route 173 in Fox Lake on October 2, 2015, when he collided with defts’ tractor-trail- er as it turned onto Route 173. The 44- foot long truck had just exited a nearby quarry (Thelen Sand & Gravel, 28955 W. Route 173) and was carrying a full load of aggregate when it pulled out from a stop sign and turned onto eastbound Route 173. Pltf struck the trailer near the right rear wheel, and the impact caused him to be ejected from his vehicle. Pltf M-46 sustained a subdural hematoma, compound mid-shaft femur fracture in his left leg, left intertrochanteric frac- ture, shattered right patella, left foot Lis Franc fracture/dislocation, maxilla fracture, and bilateral submandibular subluxation. Pltf required a total of four surgeries including knee replacement, and he continues to have difficulty walk - ing without a cane or crutch ($744,000 medical expenses, $2,811,568 past and future lifetime LT as a cement finisher). Pltf contended he had the right of way because he was on the preferential road- way, deft driver failed to yield the right of way, and pltf never saw the trailer prior to the collision in the early morning dark- ness because the trailer only had 2% of

the required reflective taping on its side. The crash was captured on the quarry’s nearby security camera and showed pltf was going at least 58 mph in a 45-mph zone. Pltf testified he was increasing his speed because he was approaching a 55-mph zone 100 to 200 feet ahead (further east). Deft M-55 maintained he was beginning his turn when he saw an- other truck coming eastbound on 173, the approaching truck’s turn signal was activated indicating an intent to turn, and pltf drove onto the shoulder to pass the turning truck while deft was in the middle of his turn. The defense argued pltf was speeding at 62.5 mph, approxi- mately nine seconds elapsed between the time defts’ truck began its turn and the time of the impact, deft driver there- fore had the right of way based on that time span, pltf had enough time to re- duce speed and avoid the collision, and on the date of the occurrence nobody had identified that the trailer’s retro-re - flective tape was deficient. Pltf’s coun - sel Salvi Schostok & Pritchard took over the case in July 2018, after all discovery had been completed. This case was the subject of a Chicago Daily Law Bulletin article on May 26, 2021.

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 13

Outstanding Lake County Defense Verdict in an Automobile Case

Jacob D. Caudill Jacob focuses his practice on complex civil litigation and municipal prosecution. Since beginning his legal career in 2015, Jacob has built a reputation for effective advocacy and strategic defense across a range of practice areas, including commer - cial litigation—with particular experience defending Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) claims—medical malpractice defense, premises liability, and traffic pros - ecution for local government clients. Jacob has successfully handled numerous jury and bench trials, representing businesses, healthcare professionals, and municipali - ties in high-stakes disputes.

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is nationally recognized for its exceptional jury trial experience and trusted by Fortune 500 companies, major institutions, and clients nationwide to handle complex commercial, equitable, and ca- sualty disputes. Founded by 13 attorneys committed to high-quality, cost- effective advocacy, the firm has grown into a litigation powerhouse of nearly 140 lawyers across more than 30 practice areas in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kansas.

14 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Congratulations to our colleagues

Miguel Ruiz

John Power

Laura Canulli

Samantha LaFata

for achieving the Highest Bureau County Settlement Award. Your commitment to our clients and community inspires us all.

1 E Upper Wacker Dr, 38th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601

312.477.2500

www.coganpower.com

BACK-TO-BACK Top Firm in Chicago Lawyer’s Settlement Report 2024 and 2025

We are once again honored to have been named the Top Firm in Chicago Lawyer’s 2025 Settlement Report. We are proud of our entire team for their continuous hard work and tireless dedication to obtaining justice on behalf of our deserving clients.

Patrick A. Salvi Founder

SALVILAW.COM

2025 - SSP-JVR Ad final.indd 2-3

Patrick A. Salvi II Honored with 2025 Plaintiff Attorney Achievement Award For obtaining more than 5 verdicts exceeding $5 million

$363 Million - Toxic Tort $148 Million - Personal Injury $79.85 Million - Wrongful Death $75.8 Million - Birth Injury $52 Million - Truck Collison

10/22/25 1:37 PM

Highest Reported McClean County Verdict or Settlement in a Pedestrian Case

$7,250,000

Minor accident led to driver being crushed

between two cars

PLAINTIFF ASKED N/A

A 68-year-old plaintiff was in a minor car accident in central Illinois. Plaintiff exited his vehicle and while standing between his car and the one he rear-ended, another driver crashed into his car. Plaintiff was crushed between the two vehicles. He suffered severe injuries to his legs that resulted in bilateral leg amputations.

DEFENSE OFFER N/A

SETTLEMENT $7.25M

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CASE REPORT

PUBLICATION: SETTLEMENTS BY CATEGORY PUBLISHED: 7/29/2022 (SQQQ K/46) (3A) CONFIDENTIAL

SETTLEMENT: $7,250,000 (IL, McLean 11th Jud Cir)

PLTF ATTY(S): David C. Wise of WiseMorrissey LLC (Chicago, IL)

Pltf M-68 was in an auto accident in central Illinois, October 17, 2012. He exited his vehicle and while standing between his car and the one he rear- ended, a driver crashed into his car. Pltf’s legs were crushed. He underwent bilateral leg amputation ($860,669 medl. expense). Allegedly, the town was

negligent in failing to keep a required 20 mph reduced speed limit sign posted and was negligent in removing a traffic calming circle on the approached to the bridge where the accident occurred. Unnamed town paid $6,000,000 and un- named driver paid $1,250,000.

Wise Law Offices is a group of award-winning trial lawyers in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 2002, the firm has helped thousands of people navigate the legal system following serious injury or catastrophic loss. In the last two decades, they have secured over $1 Billion for their personal injury clients, with more than 300 multi-million-dollar cases. Wise Law: Compassionate. Experienced. Aggressive.

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 19

Outstanding Defense Verdict in a FELA Case

Not Guilty

Contractor injured in

railyard crash led to lumbar disc surgery

PLAINTIFF ASKED $8.5M

P laintiff operated a hostler truck to move trailers around a rail- yard. Plaintiff was an employee of a contractor to deft Union Pacific Railroad Company. Plaintiff was operating a hostler when he was struck by an oncoming hostler driven by another employee of the same contractor, which drifted to the left into Plaintiff. Plaintiff sus- tained a herniated disc that required back surgery and caused emo- tional distress. The defense successfully argued that the Plaintiff was not an employee under FELA and thus was not entitled to protection under the Act.

DEFENSE OFFER N/A

VERDICT Not Guilty

20 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS

CASE REPORT

(25 AP/1) F.E.L.A.--COLLISION BETWEEN VEHICLES IN RAILYARD LED TO LUMBAR DISC SURGERY (5)

Edwardo Rangel v Union Pacific Railroad Co. 21L-849 Tried Apr. 7-14, 2025

VERDICT: Not Guilty. Special Interrogatories: Do you find that Union Pacific con - trolled or had the right to control the means and manner of the work performed by Pacific Rail Services and plaintiff? “No.” As to the Federal Employer’s Liability Act claim, do you find that Union Pacific was negligent, and that any such negligence caused or contributed to cause plaintiff’s injury? (Not answered). As to the direct negligence claim, do you find that Union Pacific was negligent and, if so, that such negligence was the proximate cause of plaintiff’s injury? “No.”

William P. Ryan William is a shareholder at Marwedel, Minichello & Reeb, P.C., where he has practiced for 25 years. Bill earned his law degree from DePaul University in 1982 and has 43 years of legal experience. He practices extensively in the areas of admiralty and maritime law, personal in - jury defense, railroad terminal operations, marine terminal operations, and trans - portation law. He has defended maritime claims and railroad claims throughout the Midwest and has tried numerous jury tri- als and bench trials to verdict in both state and federal courts.

JUDGE: Barbara N. Petrungaro (IL, Will 12th Jud Cir)

PLTF ATTY(S): Dennis M. Lynch, Jacob R. Esp of Parente & Norem (Chicago, IL) DEMAND : $2,300,000 ASKED : $8,500,000 DEFT ATTY(S): William P. Ryan, Margaret L. MacNair of Marwedel, Minichello & Reeb (Chicago, IL), M. Patrick Yingling of Reed Smith LLP (Chicago, IL)(Self- Insured) OFFER : $150,000 PLTF MEDL: Dr. Cary Templin (Orthopedist), Dr. Udit Patel, D.O. (Pain Manage- ment), Dr. Chintan Sampat (Orthopedist)

PLTF EXPERT(S): Brian Hansen (Railroads)

Pltf M-30 hostler operator was an employee of a contractor to deft rail- road Union Pacific, whose job was involved moving trailers within the rai- lyard through the use of a small truck known as a hostler. On November 30, 2019, pltf was operating a hostler in the Global IV Intermodal Terminal yard in Joliet when he was he was struck by an oncoming hostler trav- eling in the opposite direction, which drifted to the left while being driven by another employee of the same contractor. Pltf sustained a herniated L4-5 disc with radiculopathy (requir- ing laminotomy and microdiscecto- my) and emotional distress ($83,249 medical expenses, $45,000 LT for nine to ten months). Pltf maintained that he could recover damages under the

Federal Employer’s Liability Act (which creates a cause of action for railroad employees injured in the course of their employment), even though he was not a direct employee of Union Pacific, because an employee of a contractor to the railroad may be con- sidered an employee of the railroad for the purposes of the Act if the rail- road controls or has the right to con- trol the performance of the work. Pltf contended Union Pacific controlled or had the right to control his work, was directly negligent, and caused the ac- cident to occur. Union Pacific denied pltf could be considered its employee as it did not and could not control the manner and method of his work for the contractor. The defense denied negligence.

Margaret L. MacNair Meg is a shareholder at Marwedel, Minichello & Reeb, P.C. She centers her practice on personal injury defense, rail - road terminal operations, broker liability, and transportation law. Meg has tried mul- tiple cases to verdict and represented indi- viduals, insurers, contractors, and others. She received her law degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2015 and her bach - elor’s degree from Gettysburg College in 2011. Meg is an active member of the Transportation Lawyers Association and the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel.

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 21

Outstanding Defense Verdict in a FELA Case

M. Patrick Yingling As a problem-solving litigator and appel- late partner at Reed Smith, Patrick has delivered results for clients in complex matters across the country. He frequently serves as appellate counsel at trial, argu - ing motions and preserving issues for appeal. In multiple rulings, courts have expressly noted his “excellent represen- tation,” “excellent briefing and argument,” and “stellar arguments.” Patrick also maintains an extensive pro bono practice through which he has obtained landmark victories in protection of LGBTQ rights, voting rights, and immigrants’ rights.

Marwedel, Minichello & Reeb, P.C. has extensive experience in the fields of personal injury defense, admiralty and maritime law, and all modes of do- mestic and international transportation, including defense of transportation brokers and third-party logistics providers. Their clients include ship owners, barge lines, trucking companies, transportation intermediaries, marine termi- nals, railroad service providers, and the insurers of these clients. The firm and its attorneys are trusted names in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of transportation law. Reed Smith is an international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, the firm delivers smarter, more creative legal services that drive better out - comes for clients. Reed Smith’s deep industry knowledge, long-standing re- lationships, and collaborative structure make it the go-to partner for com- plex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters. The firm’s team of 3,000 people operate across more than 30 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

22 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Hurst Boleky Congratulates Founding Partners Brian Hurst and Thomas F. Boleky For receiving a Trial Lawyer excellence Award for Highest Reported Sangamon County Verdict or Settlement

hbtriallaw.com

2025 JVR Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards

24 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS

2025 JVR Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 25

Highest Reported DuPage County Verdict or Settlement in a Medical Malpractice Case

$18,250,000

Pitocin dosage caused permanent physical and cognitive injuries

PLAINTIFF ASKED N/A

T his case involved a birth injury. Plaintiff’s mother presented to Defendant hospital past her due date and Pitocin was admin- istered. Allegedly, the dosage caused excessive contractions which reduced the M-fetus’s oxygen levels, caused bradycardia, and brain injuries due to lack of oxygen. The injuries left Plaintiff, now six, with severe global physical and cognitive developmental delays. He is non-verbal and non-ambulatory.

DEFENSE OFFER N/A

SETTLEMENT $18.25M

26 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS

CASE REPORT

(STTT K/101) (12B) CONFIDENTIAL

Brandon Wall, Abby Wall v Dr. Luke Leutkemeyer, Midwest Orthpaedic Center S.C. 19L-19 Tried Jan. 9-18, 2023

SETTLEMENT: $18,250,000 (IL, Du Page 18th Jud Cir)

PLTF ATTY(S): Matthew M. Patterson of Beam Legal Team (Chicago, IL)

Matthew M. Patterson Matthew focuses his practice on obstetri- cal and neonatal hospital, physician, and nursing negligence cases. He has secured numerous verdicts on behalf of injured children and families to ensure they have the resources needed for the lifetime care of that child and hold caregivers account- able for negligent treatment during birth. In the last three years alone, Matthew has obtained verdicts of $19 million for the wrongful death of a child injured at birth, $31 million in a rural Michigan county where there had never been a malpractice verdict in favor of a plaintiff, and $55.5 million and $10.2 million on behalf of chil - dren who suffered permanent brain injury at birth.

Mother presented to a suburban hos- pital past her due date and Pitocin was administered. Allegedly, the dosage caused excessive contractions which reduced the M-fetus’s oxygen levels, caused bradycardia, and hypoxic-isch-

emic encephalopathy. The injuries left pltf, now six, with severe global physical and cognitive developmental delays. He is non-verbal and non-ambulatory. Paid by confidential defts.

Beam Legal Team, LLC began helping victims of medical malpractice in 1983, specifically focusing on obstetrical and neonatal malpractice. We not only litigate the case but stand ready for trial to obtain necessary justice for injured children. Our firm prides itself on being the voice for the voiceless, representing women and children in all 50 states!

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 27

Outstanding DuPage County Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case

Not Guilty

Death one day after doctor visit for chest complaints

PLAINTIFF ASKED $25M

P laintiff contacted Defense medical group with complaints of a headache and chest tightness with warmth that spread from his chest up to his neck. Two days later, Plaintiff saw Defense inter- nist and complained of a chest sensation that was only present when he took a deep breath. Plaintiff died the next day from an aortic dissec- tion and rupture. The Plaintiff’s estate argued that his symptoms were indicative of aortic dissection and that Plaintiff should have been re- ferred to a higher level of care. The Defense argued the patient was he- mo-dynamically stable and did not have any typical signs or symptoms indicative of aortic dissection or any emergency condition warranting referral to a higher level of care. The Defense further contended it was more likely than not that the dissection did not occur until after Plain- tiff’s visit with Defense internist. The jury reportedly deliberated less than an hour, during which time a high/low agreement was reached.

DEFENSE OFFER N/A

VERDICT Not Guilty

28 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS

CASE REPORT

(24 N/1) MEDICAL MALPRACTICE--DEATH ONE DAY AFTER DOCTOR VISIT FOR CHEST COMPLAINTS (12H)

Estate of Jonathan L. Montgomery, deceased v DuPage Medical Group Ltd., Dr. Patrick Michael Mackey 21L-517 Tried Oct. 31-Nov. 12, 2024

VERDICT: Not Guilty v both defts.

JUDGE: David E. Schwartz (IL, Du Page 18th Jud Cir)

Mark M. Burden Mark is a seasoned trial lawyer who focus- es his practice on defending physicians, hospitals, and healthcare professionals in medical malpractice and professional liability cases. With over 50 jury trials and hundreds of successful case resolu- tions, he is recognized for his expertise in complex healthcare litigation. Mark joined Donohue Brown Smyth at its founding in 1995 and became a partner in 2000, fol - lowing early practice experience at Baker & McKenzie.

PLTF ATTY(S): Benjamin A. Crane, Stephen M. Blecha of Coplan & Crane (Oak Park, IL) ASKED : $25,000,000 DEFT ATTY(S): Mark M. Burden, Justin T. Evans of Donohue, Brown, Mathewson & Smyth (Chicago, IL) for both defts

PLTF MEDL: Dr. Hilary McElligott (Pathologist)

PLTF EXPERT(S): Dr. Calum MacRae, Ph.D. (Cardiologist); Dr. Jon Resar of Johns Hopkins Outpatient Care Center, 601 N. Caroline St., #7200, Baltimore, MD (443-997-0270) (Cardiologist); Dr. Michael Coady (Cardiothoracic Surgeon) DEFT EXPERT(S): Dr. Jeffrey Kopin (Internist); Dr. Michael Argenziano (Cardiac Surgeon); Dr. Thomas A. Mayer (Cardiologist) for both defts

Jonathan Montgomery contacted Du- Page Medical Group with complaints of a headache and chest tightness with warmth that spread from his chest up to his neck while at home. Two days later, on October 5, 2020, Jonathan M-49 saw deft internist Mackey and complained of a chest sensation that was only pres- ent when he took a deep breath. Jona- than died the next day (October 6) from an aortic dissection and rupture (sur- vived by wife and two minor children). The estate contended his headache and chest symptoms were indicative of aortic dissection, he was at high risk of aortic dissection, the aortic dissection occurred at the time of the onset of his headache and chest symptoms, and the

standard of care required Dr. Mackey to send the patient to a higher level of care - either the emergency department or a cardiologist. The defense argued the standard of care did not require referral to a higher level of care as the patient was hemodynamically stable and did not have any typical signs or symptoms indicative of aortic dissection or any emergency condition warranting refer- ral to a higher level of care. The defense further contended it was more likely than not that the dissection did not oc- cur until after Jonathan’s visit with Dr. Mackey. The jury reportedly deliberated less than an hour, during which the par- ties entered into a high/low settlement agreement.

Justin T. Evans Justin focuses his practice on defending physicians, hospitals, and healthcare pro - viders in professional negligence cases. He has substantial trial experience as both first and second chair and regularly resolves matters through motion practice and alternative dispute resolution. Before joining Donohue Brown Smyth in 2024, Justin practiced at defense firms in Chicago and Detroit, handling a broad range of litigation including medical mal- practice, long-term care, FELA railroad claims, product liability, and transporta - tion-related cases.

Founded in 1995, Donohue Brown Smyth LLC quickly established a repu- tation for excellence in trial and appellate advocacy, successfully handling hundreds of cases in both state and federal courts. While the firm initially fo - cused on medical malpractice, professional liability, and insurance defense, it has since expanded to include a nationally recognized product liability prac- tice. The firm also provides expertise in institutional liability, mass torts, class actions, commercial litigation, insurance coverage, and appellate work.

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 29

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2025 JVR SETTLEMENTS REPORT

In nearly 10 years, twice as many women first chairing cases

2025 JVR SETTLEMENTS REPORT

In 2016, only 7% of the 366 cases in the annual JVR Settlements Report had a female attorney as the lead, but in the 2025 Report those numbers have more than doubled with more than 14% of the 504 cases. When compared, the total numbers of cases in which female attorneys were involved 2016 amounted to 20% of the cases, that percentage rose to 36% in 2025.

CASES HAD A WOMAN AS A LEAD ATTORNEY ON THE PLAINTIFF’S SIDE

juryverdictreporter@lawbulletinmedia.com

183

CASES HAD A WOMAN ON THE TEAM

2016 JVR SETTLEMENTS REPORT

CASES HAD A WOMAN AS A LEAD ATTORNEY ON THE PLAINTIFF’S SIDE CASES HAD A WOMAN ON THE TEAM

Source: Jury Verdict Reporter

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 31

Highest Reported Sangamon County Verdict or Settlement

$10,000,000

Elective heart procedure led

to cardiac arrest and death

PLAINTIFF ASKED N/A

P laintiff had a history of an irregular heartbeat and was admitted to a hospital for an elective heart procedure. During the proce- dure, his blood pressure dropped, and the anesthesia provider gave him fluids and medications to raise it. The doctor suspected a tear in the heart and stopped the elective procedure to try to relieve pressure around the heart. Several attempts to drain the fluid were unsuccess - ful, and Plaintiff suffered cardiac arrest. The doctors were eventually able to restart his heart, but the lack of oxygen during that time caused severe brain damage, and he never regained consciousness. Decedent Plaintiff was survived by his wife and 3 children.

DEFENSE OFFER N/A

SETTLEMENT $10M

32 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS

CASE REPORT

(SUUU K/57) (12H) CONFIDENTIAL

SETTLEMENT: $10,000,000 (IL, Sangamon 7th Jud Cir)

PLTF ATTY(S): Brian Hurst, Thomas F. Boleky of Hurst Boleky LLC (Chicago, IL)

Decedent M-48 was diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and admit - ted to a confidential hospital for elective catheter ablation. During the procedure, he became hypotensive. The CRNA ad- ministered fluids, vasopressors, and oth - er medications. A suspected myocardial rupture prompted the physician to abort the ablation and perform a pericardio-

centesis. After multiple unsuccessful at- tempts to drain the pericardial effusion, decedent suffered cardiac arrest. Drain- age was eventually achieved and rhythm restored, but decedent sustained anoxic brain injury during the extended arrest and never regained consciousness. He was survived by his wife and three chil- dren. Paid by confidential defts.

Brian Hurst Brian has served Chicago and Illinois residents as a plaintiff’s trial lawyer for 30 years. Brian has extensive trial ex - perience, litigating medical malpractice cases in front of juries across the State of Illinois, including Cook County, DuPage County, Kankakee County, Sangamon County and Will County, and has tried medical malpractice cases in other states, including New Jersey and Georgia. Brian has obtained several millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of injured people in cases involving medical malpractice and wrongful death.

Thomas F. Bolecky Tom concentrates his practice in repre- senting individuals and families in serious personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death matters. Over his 32-year career, Tom has helped bring justice to those whose lives have been impacted by injury or have lost a loved one due to carelessness or negligence. He has tried many cases to verdict and has obtained record-setting awards and numerous multi-million dollar settlements. Tom joined Brian Hurst as a law partner in 2009 after a long career with Corboy & Demetrio.

The attorneys at Hurst Boleky LLC practice civil trial law, concentrating in medical malpractice, catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases. They have dedicated their careers to representing individuals and families who have been injured, harmed, or who have suffered the loss of a loved one, because of the careless, dangerous or reckless actions of others.

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 33

Defense Attorney Achievement Awards Excellence from the perspective of the defense attorney is best measured by minimized damages—securing for the client the best possible outcome in even the most extreme cases. This year we recognize two defense lawyers for having consistently delivered exceptional results for their clients in high verdict potential jury trials. When verdicts may exceed millions of dollars, these defense counsel are regularly called upon to minimize their client’s exposure.

Defense Attorney Achievement Awards

Margaret “Peg” E. Schneider Peg has conducted over 190 jury trials in Cook County, serving as first chair in over two thirds of those cases. Her work includes defending trip and fall cases, auto collisions, and police pursuit and misconduct cases, with many of those involving catastrophic injuries or death. “I knew as a child that I wanted to be a lawyer and I wanted to do trial work,” says Peg. Born and raised in Bismarck, North Dakota, she used to watch her father, Dennis A. Schneider (deceased) preside over various cases in his position as a state District Judge, handling everything from divorces to criminal matters in a thirteen county range. She received her B.A. in Political Science and Philoso- phy followed by her J.D. from Creighton University and returned to Bismarck to serve as a law clerk for Justice Mary Muehlen Maring (ret.) on the North Dakota Supreme Court. Her desire to explore the big city led her to Chicago, where she worked for the Office of the State Appellate Defender and soon moved to trial work as a plaintiff’s personal injury attorney. Moving to the defense side, she worked as in-house counsel for State Farm and Allstate, and joined the City of Chicago Department of Law Torts Division in 2007, where she happily remains.

The Torts Division of the City of Chicago Law Department defends the City and its employees in personal injury, prop- erty damage, and workers’ compensation claims. The types of cases handled by the division on behalf of its client departments and employees range from slip-and-fall accidents on City property to complex litigation arising from al- leged medical malpractice, police pursuits, roadway design defects, and wrongful demolition. Torts Division attorneys have an active motion practice and extensive trial experience.

Mark J. Smith Mark is a trial lawyer whose practice is concentrated in the defense of complex medical malpractice matters. He has over thirty years of experience represent- ing health care professionals and organizations. He has tried more than sixty cases to jury verdict. Mr. Smith is a steadfast advocate for physicians, hospitals, nurses, and other health care professionals, aggressively and efficiently build - ing a defense and meeting the many professional and emotional needs of each individual client. Among all his clients, peers, and opposing counsel, Mr. Smith enjoys a reputa- tion for an aggressive, creative, and fair approach to every case. He never loses sight of the best interests of the people whom he represents or of the obligation to respect the rights of those who bring claims against them. That combination has been the secret to his success.

Mark obtained his J.D. from Indiana University School of Law and his B.S. from Purdue University. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and the Northern District Federal Court. He is a member of the Chicago Inn of Court, Illinois Society of Trial Lawyers, and American Board of Trial Lawyers. Smith Blake Hill, LLC, is a firm of trial lawyers specializing in the defense of health care systems, physicians, and al - lied providers against malpractice allegations involving complex fact patterns, catastrophic injuries, and significant financial exposure.

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 35

Plaintiff Attorney Achievement Award On the plaintiff’s side, we recognize trial lawyers who have first-chaired five Illinois jury verdicts of $5 million or more. Securing just one $5 million jury verdict is notable—but five—exceptional. Along the way, the trial lawyers that have received this honor have achieved many record verdicts, some of which have stood for more than 20 years. This year we recognized another member of this select group of plaintiff’s attorneys.

Plaintiff Attorney Achievement Awards

Patrick A. Salvi II Pat joined Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. in 2007 and was named Managing Partner of the firm’s Chicago office in 2017. He concentrates his legal practice on cases concerning personal injury, medical malpractice, mass torts, and product liability. Throughout his time with the firm, Pat has recovered over $1.4 billion on behalf of his deserving clients. Pat was the lead attorney on a trial team that won a $363 million jury verdict for a woman who developed breast cancer from breath- ing toxic emissions from a Willowbrook medical device sterilization plant. The verdict was the largest jury verdict ever awarded to an individual plaintiff in Illi- nois history at the time of the trial. As one of the co-lead counsel of the litigation, Pat was later lead negotiator for settlements totaling $456 million globally for nearly 900 Plaintiffs who had also brought claims. In 2017, Pat and his trial team

won a record-setting $148 million jury verdict on behalf of a dancer paralyzed by a collapsed pedestrian shelter at O’Hare Inter- national Airport. The verdict is the highest compensatory verdict ever awarded to an individual plaintiff in the state of Illinois. In recognition of his outstanding legal work, Pat was named Chicago Lawyer Magazine’s 2023 “Person of the Year,” an honor given to the newsmaker, trendsetter or legal leader of the year.

The personal injury and medical malpractice law firm of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C. was founded by attorney Patrick A. Salvi in 1982. Today, the firm has 22 lawyers and is supported by more than 35 staff members in their Chi - cago and Waukegan locations. Over the past 40 years, the firm has obtained more than $2.9 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of their injured clients, including more than 390 cases with recoveries of $1 million or more.

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 37

Highest Reported Lake County Verdict or Settlement in a Work Injury Case

$13,000,000

Hired driver struck and killed while parked on side of road

PLAINTIFF ASKED N/A

Not pictured: Joseph A. Power, Jr.

P laintiff worked for a company that transported vehicles and Plaintiff was driving a car that had been removed from service due to a bubble in the tire and was scheduled to be towed. How- ever, Plaintiff was given permission to drive this car and during the trip, the tire lost air pressure and eventually shredded. Plaintiff was forced to park in the curb lane with his emergency flashers activated. While sitting in the car with the flashers on, the car was rear-ended by a truck traveling 52 mph. Plaintiff sustained injuries that claimed his life 9 days later. He was survived by his wife and 4 young children.

DEFENSE OFFER N/A

SETTLEMENT $13M

38 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS

CASE REPORT

(SPPP E/16) (6) CONFIDENTIAL

SETTLEMENT: $13,000,000 (IL, Lake 19th Jud Cir)

PLTF ATTY(S): Joseph A. Power, Jr., Thomas M. Power of Power Rogers LLP (Chicago, IL)

M-50 worked for a company that trans- ported vehicles. The car involved in this incident was put out of service because it had a bubble in a tire, and was sched- uled to be towed. However, before that happened, the worker was given per- mission to drive it. During the trip, the tire lost air pressure and eventually shredded--which forced the worker to park in the curb lane with his emergen- cy flashers activated. He was sitting in the car when it was rear-ended by a truck at 52 mph. The trucker applied the brakes only six-tenths of a second before impact. The worker sustained

multiple injuries that claimed his life 9 days later (survived by his wife and four children, ranging in age from 10 to 20). Medical expenses of $149,632 were incurred and LT $36,100 per year was claimed. There was no evidence that he experienced conscious pain and suffering. Package paid by insur- ers for undisclosed defts with their individual contributions not provided. A $640,000+ workers’ comp lien waiv- er was also secured. This outcome is higher than any Lake County wrongful death verdict or settlement that JVR has previously reported.

Joseph A. Power, Jr. Founding partner of Power Rogers, LLP, Joe is recognized as one of the nation’s top trial lawyers. Concentrating on cata - strophic injury cases, he became the youngest attorney to solely secure a million-dollar verdict at age 28. Joe has achieved over 200 verdicts and settle - ments exceeding $1 million, including a landmark $100 million trucking case that exposed Illinois’ “license-for-bribes” scan - dal, leading to 76 criminal convictions, including a former governor.

Thomas M. Power Tom began his legal career in 1985 in the Cook County Public Defender’s Office. Handling 300 bench and jury trial trials during his seven-year tenure as a public defender, he successfully represented in - dividuals accused of various crimes rang- ing from simple misdemeanor cases to serious felony cases. Tom left in 1992 to join his brother, Joseph A. Power, Jr. at the then-Power Rogers & Lavin. Tom has devoted his time to helping in- dividuals who have suffered devastating personal injuries and families who lost a loved one due to negligence, recovering more than $150 million on behalf of his clients and setting multiple records.

Power Rogers, LLP takes great pride and responsibility in representing seriously injured people and their families in all types of personal injury actions. The firm works hard to honor the trust and commitment of their clients, their referring attorneys, and the outstanding legal community in Chicago and throughout our State.

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 39

Outstanding Will County Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case

Not Guilty

Fall in parking lot led to head injury and death

PLAINTIFF ASKED $15.4M

P laintiff fell to the ground and struck her head in a Walgreens parking lot. When paramedics arrived, they found Plaintiff sitting on the ground with an abrasion and bleeding on her forehead. Plaintiff denied losing consciousness and said she did not want to go to the hospital. Paramedics evaluated Plaintiff and explained to her the risks of refusing transport, and had Plaintiff sign the refusal form before assisting her to her car. A few hours later Plaintiff called 911 because she was still bleeding. Plaintiff was transported to the hospital where she was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma and died 13 days later. Plaintiff’s estate claimed Defendant paramedics were willful and wanton in accepting the refusal form and that the delay in getting Plaintiff to the hospital caused her death. Defendants denied their treat- ment and acceptance of a transport refusal was willful and wanton. The Defendants argued the paramedics’ conduct complied with applicable policies and procedures and Plaintiff was alert and capable of making her own decisions.

DEFENSE OFFER $250K

VERDICT Not Guilty

40 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS

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